The impact of physical activity on disease-free survival in patients with high-risk stage II or III colon cancer: one month screening results.  — ASN Events
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The impact of physical activity on disease-free survival in patients with high-risk stage II or III colon cancer: one month screening results.  (#838)

Emma M Goddard 1 , Haryana M Dhillon 1 , Jane Turner 1 , Michael Kabourakis 1 , Philip J Beale 2 , Annabel Goodwin 2 , David Goldstein 3 , Stephen J Clarke 1 4 , Myra Ouriques 4 , Stephen P Ackland 5 6 , Fiona Abell 5 , Antonio Bonaventura 5 , G Mallesara 5 , Clare Fischer 5 , Laurence Kreiger 7 , Marie Lashbrook 7 , Janette L Vardy 1 2
  1. University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. Sydney Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia
  3. Dept of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
  4. Dept of Clinical Oncology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
  5. Medical Oncology, Newcastle Private Hospital, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
  6. Faculty of Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
  7. Riverina Cancer Care Centre, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia

Background:  Although there is compelling observational evidence that physical activity (PA) is strongly and inversely associated with colon cancer incidence, recurrence, and disease-specific and overall survival, this has not been tested in a randomised, controlled setting and the mechanisms are unknown. CHALLENGE is a randomised controlled trial of a 3-year physical activity intervention in people who have completed adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer.

Aim: To determine the proportion of colon cancer patients suitable for the CHALLENGE study, and reasons for non-participation.

Methods:  Evaluation of colon cancer patients seen at six participating hospitals over one month, reasons for ineligibility or non-participation in CHALLENGE.

Results:  During July 2012, 76 people with colon cancer were screened.  Three of these went on to be registered into the study and one was randomised. Of the two not randomised, one was excluded due to elevated blood pressure and the other elevated liver function tests.

Of 76 non-participants, 53 (70 %) were not eligible.  Eleven (14%) were eligible and are considering study participation in the future. Main reasons for ineligibility were: 38 (50%) with metastatic disease, 6 (8%) had completed adjuvant chemotherapy more than 180 days previously, 2 (3%) already met the current recommended physical activity guidelines, 2 (3%) had comorbidities preventing exercise, 2 (3%) were of non-English speaking background, 3 (4%) did not meet criteria for high risk Stage II disease, 1 (1%) history of other malignancies. A further 9 did not participate due to: 6 (8%) patient choice, 2 (3%) logistics or 1(1%) clinician decision. A further 33 patients seen in clinic had rectal cancer and were ineligible.

Conclusions: The majority of colon cancer patients seen in clinics are not eligible for the study.   Main reason for ineligibility was the presence of metastatic disease. Only 2% were meeting recommended physical activity guidelines.